In the morning, we visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (for pictures, see HERE, HERE and HERE). For the remainder of the morning, we would focus on the port area of Muscat. The tour would take us to see the old city, the souq (market) and finish with some views of the bay.
Our guide took us to a local fish market, which I was very excited to see. I love fish! ^_^ What cat doesn't??
squid, tuna, mackerel
Some foreign visitors were probably shocked at the market being outdoors, in 30+ C heat; I however, wasn't fazed. What amazed me most were that most fish were similar to those sold in Japan. I wondered if Oman exports to my home country?? Japanese could easily live in Oman, just based on the availability of fish alone.
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish:
After winding our way through the stalls at the fish market, it was time to poke around the souq in Muscat. A souq is a local market, filled with vendors of all kinds. Despite the guide book's praises, I was rather disappointed with this market. Many items looked cheap and were not made in Oman (most came from Pakistan or India); regardless, I took lots of photos and shopped with my eyes only.
stained glass skylight / Omani chests:
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| arabian dresses / more skylights |
We did manage to find a spice shop. Spices are plentiful in the Middle Eastern countries and make great souvenirs. I didn't buy, but I did enjoy the aromas and variety of the many spices on sale.
spice buckets / souq pathway:
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| common souvenir shop in the souq |
We headed back to the guide's car to be driven to a hilltop from which, we viewed old Muscat town. Our car finally moved its way to the Sultan's Palace. The grounds were impressive....
Old Muscat / Palace gate
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| Square and grounds |
Before wrapping up the tour, our guide offered to stop for our final photos. At a park, overlooking the bay, we could see our cruise ship, the Costa Fortuna and reflect on our time spent in the port city of Muscat. While the ship pulled out of port, I snapped one last photo to say sayonara to Muscat.
Costa Fortuna, docked in Muscat, Oman
Cutenekko at the palace / Muscat bay, viewed from the ship:
~ Information ~
All of the above sights can be seen in a half-day city tour of Muscat called: Muscat City - A Fascinating Capital. Available on Viator. Tour price and details HERE.
Interested in cruising through the Middle East? Here are some ships departing in 2015: CLICK.
This stop in Muscat was part of an 8-day cruise, roundtrip from Dubai, on the Costa Fortuna. Price per person for an inside cabin was $515 USD (food/ entertainment / taxes included). Information about this tour, which was taken in late February, 2014, is HERE.
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